LAUSR

Abstract The continuous strength method employs the deformation capacity of a cross-section and a simple material model for calculation of strength. The method allows exploitation of significant strain hardening in structural design of metallic materials like stainless steel. An initial attempt and first report of continuous strength method for torsion member is presented in this paper, using finite element analysis. Initially, a numerical parametric study was conducted on circular hollow section member with the aim of generating a database for tubular torsion member using validated finite element models. Four different grades of steel were considered for the study i.e., carbon steel (YSt 310), austenitic stainless steel (EN 1.4301), duplex stainless steel (EN 1.4162) and ferritic stainless steel (EN 1.4003). The parametric results were then used to develop CSM torsion design equations. Further, existing torsion design guidelines in EN 1993-1-1 and AISC 360-16 were also assessed. Overall, on average, CSM design equation was found to give improved, consistent and accurate prediction for all four grades of steel considered, in comparison to the existing design guidelines.